MBSG0
CFC0
NEF1
ITT1
PSG
LYON
SEV
OSA
NED
OMA
NZ
IND
NAM
IRE
PAK
SL
SA
AUS
Abha
Al Faisaly
Barcelona1
Real Madrid2
Udinese0
Milan2
Real Sociedad2
Levante1
Lecce0
Juventus2
MOW63/6 (14/20 ov)
TOK
NZ-A317
IND-A113 & 488/8 (119 ov)
SYL575/4 (167.3 ov)
KHU
MYMS465/7d
CHATT424/6 (121 ov)
DHA521
RAJ162 & 215/5 (59.1 ov) (f/o)
RAN402 & 5/0 (2.3 ov)
BAR443/9d
SIKM30/1 (15 ov)
NAGA187
JHK
DELHI309/5 (90 ov)
ODSA194
SVCS13/0 (5 ov)
BRODA259/6 (86 ov)
J & K
CHD363/2 (87 ov)
HP
CGR35/1 (14 ov)
AP231
BRB
MIS
BIK
CHR
JER
KUW
MEX-W51 (12.5/20 ov, target 187)
ARG-W186/7
NGA148
UGA147/9 (20 ov, target 149)
GMB112/9
LES109 (19.5/20 ov, target 113)
MOZ110/7 (19/20 ov, target 110)
ZMB109/9
IND-W328/6
ZIM-W207 (48.5/50 ov, target 329)
ENG241
Sassuolo
Lazio
AS Roma
Cagliari
Torino
Como
BES
IBFK
CAY
TRAB
Sunderland0
Leeds0
Freiburg1
Bayern3
Around 70 teams from 26 states and 6 union territories will participate in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship 2025-26 from December 31, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at Gunjur, Bengaluru. With 35 boys and 35 girls teams competing, all eyes will be on defending champions Maharashtra, who swept both categories at last year’s championship.
League-Cum-Knockout Format Determines Champions
Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Delhi represent the participating union territories. Beyond states, teams from recognized Kho Kho Associations like Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Madhya Bharat will battle for titles in the league-cum-knockout format championship.
| Championship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship |
| Dates | December 31, 2025 – January 4, 2026 |
| Location | Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, Gunjur, Bengaluru |
| Teams | ~70 (35 boys, 35 girls) |
| States | 26 participating |
| Union Territories | 6 participating |
| Groups | 8 groups each (boys and girls) |
| Defending Champions | Maharashtra (both categories) |
| Officials | 25+ referees, coaches, technical officials |
| Transport | 10 buses deployed |
| Accommodation | Within 3-4 km of stadium |
Pre-quarter finals in both categories will be held mornings on January 3, with quarter finals in afternoons. January 4 features semi-finals in the morning followed by finals. Both boys’ and girls’ teams have been divided into 8 groups each, ensuring competitive balance throughout the tournament.
Platform for Talent Identification and Recognition
Sri Lokeshwara, President of Karnataka State Kho Kho Association, confirmed that 25 officials including technical officials, coaches, and association members have been deployed for preparations and smooth championship conduct. Accommodation arrangements have been made within 3-4 km of the stadium with 10 buses handling player conveyance.
According to Kho Kho Federation of India, Sudhanshu Mittal, KKFI President, described the event as a festival where young talents nationwide compete while showcasing skills. Talent identification and recognition play important roles in promoting the sport as KKFI aims for Kho Kho’s inclusion in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics.
Upkar Singh Virk, KKFI General Secretary, confirmed all preparations are in place with focus on athlete and infrastructure development. Dr. M.S. Tyagi, Chairman of Administration & Organisation, expressed hope watching young athletes compete, emphasizing KKFI’s role in guiding and supporting them.
Upcoming Kho Kho Calendar Packed with Events
For more on traditional sports growth, India will host the first Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9-14, 2026. The 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (Men & Women) 2025-26 runs January 11-15, 2026, in Kazipet, Telangana, while the 35th Sub-Junior National Championship takes place January 31-February 4, 2026, in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
This packed calendar demonstrates KKFI’s commitment to developing Kho Kho at all levels—from sub-junior to senior—while preparing for international recognition and Olympic aspirations.
